Temporal variation of malaria occurrence in kano municipal local government area

Malaria is currently affecting more people in the World than any other disease and no single measure of control through the use of drugs seems effective. This study examined the temporal variation in the occurrence of malaria infection in Kano Municipal L.G.A. Secondary sources were used to generate data for the study. Relevant information was extracted from the bed head ticket (case files) of all in-patients of the health institutions in the study area. And information relating to socio demographic characteristics of patients and temporal pattern (i.e. annual, seasonal, and monthly variation) of malaria in the study area were extracted and analyzed, including 16,601 recorded hospital malaria cases of in patients between 2001 and 2005. The disease was found to affect females (54%) more than males (46%) and children in age 0-5 and 6-10 years accounted for 18.6% and 15.1% respectively. Seasonally, the disease was found to be more rampant in dry seasons (mid-September to mid-May) than in the wet season (mid-May to mid-September) accounting for 63.58% and 36.42 % respectively. The result of statistical test shows that there is no significance difference in the occurrence of the disease between dry season and wet season at 5% level of significance (P≤ 0.05). The trend of the occurrence was found to be increasing annually with the highest incidence in the year 2005 constituting 34% followed by the year 2004 and 2002 accounting for 25% and 16% respectively. Casual observation in the study area revealed that, many factors are believed to have contributed to the increasing trend which includes the presence of open gutters, stagnant water in the ponds, improper waste disposal and the congested settlement pattern that facilitates the malaria occurrence and related diseases. It is recommended that keeping the environment clean by maintaining proper sanitation is the best solution, and government should provide mosquito nets and drugs at an affordable price to the general public in order to prevent the disease

Antenatal care as a determinant of perinatal mortality in Nigeria: population-based study

Research Report Submitted To the Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg, In Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of Degree of Masters of Arts in Demography and Population Studies Academic Year, 2014The World Health Organization has recommended focused antenatal care as a strategy for reducing the burden of perinatal mortality and for the overall improvement of maternal and child health. Fragmentary studies in Nigeria indicate that lack of ANC or inadequate ANC is a predictor of perinatal death. However, most of these studies are hospital-based and suffer heavily from selection bias and therefore do not adequately represent the general population. This study examined the association between focused antenatal care and perinatal mortality in Nigeria. Data Source and Methods The data for this study comes from the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). The 2013 Nigeria DHS is the fifth round of nation-wide organized data collection system supported by USAID and implemented by the National Population Commission (NPC 2014). The 2013 survey consists of nationally representative sample of 38,945 women aged 15- 49years and 17,359 men aged 15-59 years living in 38,904 households. The unique feature of the 2013 survey is the collection of information that allows the estimation of perinatal mortality possible. The main outcome variables are stillbirth (death of fetus after 7months of pregnancy or 22weeks of gestation), early neonatal death (death within 6days of delivery) and perinatal mortality (sum of stillbirths and early neonatal death). The main exposure variable is having at least four antenatal care visits in the most recent pregnancy within the five year period preceding the survey as recommended by WHO. Cox proportional hazard models were fitted to answer the research question. Results There were 396 stillbirths and 925 early neonatal deaths and use of focused ANC is 61%; perinatal mortality rate as a whole is 41 per 1000 births. About 29% of all the early neonatal deaths occurred on the day they were born while 61% within 48 hours of delivery. Use of ANC varies significantly with maternal age, geopolitical zone (North/South), place of residence (rural/urban), maternal education, wealth index, religion, and parity, sex of household head, marital status and type of marriage (polygyny/monogamy). Further, perinatal mortality rate vary according to some previously established trends: more at the extremes of maternal ages, higher in northern than in the southern geopolitical zone, highest among those with primary level of education and among lowest wealth quintile; among parity one and five or more, male child, very small babies and small babies (<2.5Kg) and those delivered in health facility. In the final model, factors significantly reducing the risk of perinatal mortality are use of focused ANC (HR=0.69, 95%CI: 0.65-0.73); being in the middle or rich wealth quintile (HR=0.87, 95%CI: 0.83-0.92); living in southern zone of the country (HR=0.87, 95%CI: 0.84- 0.89); being of parity between two and four (HR=0.91, 95%CI: 0.83-0.99); having had a urine test (HR=0.86, 95%CI: 0.81-0.91) and receiving all the six components of antenatal care (HR=0.18, 95%CI: 0.13-0.25). Those factors found to increase the risk perinatal death include living in rural area of the country (HR=1.32, 95%CI: 1.27-1.38); having between one and three cowives (HR=1.21, 95%CI: 1.17-1.26) having had a complication during the pregnancy (HR= 1.20, 95%CI: 1.16-1.25); having a female as the head of the household (HR=1.05, 95%CI: 1.02- 1.09) and taking iron tablets for more than six months (HR=1.24, 95%CI: 1.15-1.34). Conclusion The results of the analysis show that use of focused ANC significantly reduces the risk of perinatal mortality by about 31%; varying between 26% (risk reduction for early neonatal death) and 28% (risk reduction for stillbirths). Other factors that are significantly associated with reduction of perinatal mortality are residing in Southern part of the country, being of parity of between two and four, being in the middle and/or rich wealth quintile, having had a urine test during ANC visits and receiving all the six elements of antenatal care. Policy implication This results calls for the more investment in maternal and child health services particularly antenatal care to make it more easily accessible in the overall framework of improving maternal and child health. It specifically implies that socioeconomic development programs should target basic schooling (especially female education), economic welfare/poverty eradication, women empowerment as well as allocating more health resources in the disadvantaged rural areas and Northern part of Nigeria. Research implication While this research has corroborated the recommendations of WHO it has also opened up new areas of future research. There is the need to test the validity of World Health Organization’s recommendations on the role of focused ANC on perinatal mortality using more advanced statistical methods and designs such multi-level modelling, instrumental variable and propensity score matching. To have a smooth transition from research to practice, operations research have to be conducted in specific cultural and health systems contexts to deal with issues specific to these contexts. Such operations research will involve assessing the capacity of the health system on how to implement the new model of ANC in terms infrastructure, staffing, training and re-training of staff and supplies. Attitudes and perception of providers and clients about the new model needs to be determined also. It is also important to conduct a multicountry analysis to assess the claim of WHO knowing fully that WHO conducted the trial of this model in only four countries none of which is from sub-Saharan Africa

Availability of Disaster Preventive, Response and Recovery measures for Disaster preparedness in academic libraries: An appraisal of some selected academic libraries in Gusau metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the availability of disaster equipment and measures for disaster prevention, response and recovery in some selected academic libraries in Gusau metropolis, Zamfara State, Nigeria. Survey research method was adopted for the study using questionnaire as the research instrument. 86 copies of the questionnaires were systematically distributed across the four selected academic libraries in the city and out of which 82 copies (95.34%) were filled, returned and found suitable for use. Thus, the data collected using the questionnaire were analysed using tables, frequency and percentage. The results of the analyzed data shows that thunder arrestor is the disaster prevention equipment with highest rate in the libraries 25 (30.4). this was closely followed by smoke detectors 24 (29.2) for detecting early sign of fire disaster; warning alarm systems 22 (26.8) for alerting any impending situation. Building inspection measures and other equipment such as photocopy machines and antiviruses software recorded 5(6.09) and 6(7.31) respectively. Close circuit television and disaster plan were absent in the libraries as they recorded no responses. the results also revealed that fire extinguishers and clearly marked exit doors are the equipment and measures available in all the libraries for disasters response as the items recorded maximum responses 82 (100%) each. However, there is uncertainty surrounding the availability of communication gadgets for effective communication during disaster as 34 (41.46%) respondents recorded that they are not aware of the existence of the gadgets. Evacuation team 2 (2.43%), water hose 9 (10.97%) and disaster fighting team 20 (24.39%) are equipment and measures with least availability in the libraries. Moreover, the results show that mops 82 (100%) and segregation technique 70(85.36%) are the two dominant measures of disaster recovery. Other measures and equipment were conspicuously absent in the libraries as all the respondents 82 (100%) indicated. Finally, majority of respondents 40 (48.78%) strongly agreed that inadequate funding constitute a major constraint to disaster preparedness in the libraries. Other impediments as indicated by the respondents were lack of interest on the part of staff 46 (56.09%); lack of interest on the part of librarian 42 (51.21%). However, majority of respondents 46 (56.09%) and 42 (51.21%) and strongly disagree that environmental condition and poor library condition affect their disaster preparedness in the libraries. It was therefore recommended among other that the libraries should sensitize their staff and users on the roles they could play in disaster preparedness in addition to need for training the staff on regular basis on handling disaster equipment. Modern equipment for disaster prevention, response and recovery should be provided by the libraries. The libraries should also plan for other sources of funding to enable them acquire and maintain best equipment for disaster prevention, response and recovery

A Role of Vitamin B2 in Reducing Amyloid-beta Toxicity in a Caenorhabditis elegans Alzheimer’s Disease Model

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with amyloid-beta peptide deposition and loss of mitochondrial function. Using a transgenic C. elegans AD worm model expressing amyloid-beta in body wall muscle, we determined that supplementation with either of the forms of vitamin B2, flavin mononucleotide (FMN) or flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) protected against amyloid-beta mediated paralysis. FMN and FAD were then assayed to determine effects on ATP, oxygen consumption, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) with these compounds not significantly improving any of these mitochondrial bioenergetic functions. Knockdown of the daf-16/FOXO transcriptional regulator or the FAD synthase enzyme completely abrogated the protective effects of FMN and FAD, while knockdown of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response factors ubl-5 or atfs-1 also blocked the protective effects. Therefore, vitamin B2 supplementation could lead to the activation of conserved signaling pathways in humans to delay the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD

Information Seeking Patterns of Small Scale Farmers for Farming Activities in Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract This study identified Small Scale Farmers (SSF) information seeking patterns used and types of crops produced for effective farming activities. Three research questions and one hypothesis were developed to guide the study. Cross sectional survey design was adopted in which a total of seven hundred (700) registered small scale farmers’ cooperative associations from three agricultural zones of Katsina state formed the population. A total number of two hundred and eighty (280) respondents were randomly sampled using cluster sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in which the null hypothesis was tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC). The findings of the study revealed that the information seeking patterns used by SSF is through asking questions, verbal conversations and collaborations then followed by chatting and referral. The findings revealed that more than seventy percent (70%) of the farmers engaged in different types of farming activities that includes rain-fed farming, livestock farming, and irrigation farming activities. The findings revealed the highest crops produced by the small holder farmers are; beans, millet, maize and sorghum.. The study recommends that government and farmers’ cooperative associations should create discussion forums at local government and ward levels to attend to small holder farmers when seeking information for successful farming activities

Analytical study of library and information science dissertations (1996 – 2015) at the University of Maiduguri, Nigeria

The study analysed eighty-one (81) masters of library and information science dissertations accepted by the school of postgraduate studies, University of Maiduguri, between 1996 and 2015 academic sessions. The analysis focused on productivity of dissertation by a academic year, subject areas, type of libraries, geographical areas covered and the gender of the students that presented the dissertations. The analysis revealed that the 2014 academic year recorded the highest productivity of dissertations with thirteen (13) representing 19.8 percent, Library Personnel Management was the most researched subject area, Academic Librarianship was the type of library most researched and Borno State was the most focused geographical area in the dissertations presented during the years covered by the study. Finally, the study suggests among other things, the need for the department to encourage prospective candidates to carryout research in other areas of specialization such as Bibliographical Studies and Bibliometrics, Organization of Knowledge, Foundations of Library and Information Science, Manuscripts and Archival Management, which are yet to receive attention.Keywords: Analytical study, Library and Information Science, Dissertations, Nigeri

Prevalence of middle ear effusion (MEE) and other middle ear problems among apparently healthy children in some selected primary schools in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Middle ear effusion (MEE) is the commonest ear problem affecting children less than 6 years and is a threat to deafness which is common in our environment. Tympanometry is used to determine MEE and other problems of the middle ear. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of middle ear effusion and other middle ear problems among apparently healthy school children in some selected schools in Kano Metropolis. The study was in four primary schools located in Kano metropolis where socio-demographic characteristics of the participants (whose parents consented) were recorded, and pneumatic tympanometry was conducted. The participants were 150 school children (78 males and 72 females) aged 4-12 years and were selected using stratified sampling technique, with mean age of 9.8 ± 2.2 years. Results showed that Cronbach’s alpha was &gt; 85% for both intra and inter-observer error estimate. In all the measured parameters, significant sexual dimorphism was only found in the right ear cavity volume (Rt ECV) with males having higher values (p&lt;0.05). Majority of the pupils (82%) had normal (type A) tympanogram, 6% had flat (type B) which signifies middle ear effusion, 5.4% had type C tympanogram which signifies negative middle ear pressure and clinically eustachian tube dysfunction, 5.6% had type As (osteosclerosis of the middle ear), and 1% has Ad type (ossicular discontinuity). Age, height &amp; weight correlated significantly with one or more of the measured ear parameters of the left or right in both sexes. The prevalence of MEE among school-aged children in Kano metropolis is alarming and is a threat to deafness. Therefore, clinicians should be more suspicious and include routine ear examination for children in their practice to detect uncomplicated MEE

AWARENESS AND USE OF INFORMATION RESOURCES, SERVICES AND FACILITIES BY STUDENTS IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE ABEOKUTA, NIGERIA

Abstract The present study provides an overview about the user’s awareness in Federal University Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria.. The study was conducted to ascertain the level of awareness of information resources, services and facilities by students of FUAA. Three research objectives guided the study. 306 copies of questionnaire were administered to the respondents in the university and 217 received and analyzed. Simple random and stratified sampling techniques were employed for the study due to the largeness of the population. In the data analysis, frequency counts, simple percentages, and charts was used for the statistical analysis. The study Highlight the levels of awareness of different types of information resources, services and facilities provided by the university library and revealed that the students are fully aware and seems to use them regularly. Other findings from the study showed that students utilized the information resources such as text books, journals, E-theses and dissertations E-journals, and E-books for learning and research. The study recommended that the university library should make more efforts to improve the relevant information resources to encourage students to patronize the librar

THE ROLE OF LIBRARIANS IN INFORMATION PROVISION IN THREE AGRICULTURE LIBRARIES IN NIGERIA MICHAEL OKPARA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE MAKURDI AND FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE ABEOKUTA (MOUA, FUAM, FUNAB)

The study examines information resources in Agriculture University Libraries in Nigeria; the respondents are University Librarians in Federal University Agriculture Makurdi, Michael Okpara University Agriculture Abia, and Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, sampled by the researcher. The main objective of the study is to identify the information resources, in Agriculture University Libraries in Nigeria with view to examine the types of information resources available, in Agriculture University Libraries under study. Questionnaires were administered to University Librarians. The researcher has been taken the entire population of University Librarians that is three (3) of them. The questionnaires were retrieved and analyzed from the different Agriculture University Libraries sampled representing (100%), Major findings testify that the current agricultural information resources available are insufficient in agriculture University libraries in Nigeria, current information resources particularly e-journals, e-books, information resources related to agricultural information such as databases, e-journals, e-books were the information needs identified are not much available. The study recommended, the improvement of the existing information resources, for the user’s information needs, subscriptions of offline databases such as, AGORA, HINARI, AJOL, JSTORE and E-Granary to access agricultural information offline with millions of information resources on text books journals available and continue to be added in each seconds. These findings suggest the need to formalize and strengthen linkages between users and library staff, to improve access to agricultural information, and to formulate policy and regulatory frameworks that are gender responsive. There is a need for policies that facilitate inter- library loan between agriculture University libraries and research institute libraries, collaboration and information sharin

MASTERY LEARNING APPROACH (MLA): ITS EFFECTS ON THE STUDENTS MATHEMATICS ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

This study inquired on the effect of Mastery learning Approach (MLA) in enhancing the academic achievement of mathematics. Eighty first-year senior secondary schools (SS 1) students were used as subjects of the study. Mastery learning approach was used in the treatment group (N=40) while the traditional teaching method was employed for the control group (N=40). This investigation utilized the quasi-experimental design. The results of the study showed the students who were exposed to mastery learning had enriched academic achievement in mathematics. Apparently, results on the posttest mean scores of the students revealed that there is a significant effect on the academic achievement of the experimental group in which the MLA had been introduced. As such, students exposed to MLA performed better than students who were taught in the traditional teaching method. Moreover, results exemplify that there is a significant relationship between the students’ attitudes toward mathematics and their academic achievement in mathematics.  Article visualizations